Guinness National Rugby Awards 2019- Player of the Year
Josh Grant – Old Colstonians RFC
 
In 2018 OCRFC were humbled and privileged to have one of our players selected as one of 6 finalists in the National Rugby Player of the Year award. A great accolade and, for a junior club, punching well above our weight.
As you might imagine, we were cock-a-hoop when we heard that our first team captain and former Colstons pupil, Josh Grant, had also been selected as a finalist for 2019.
A small group from OCRFC accompanied Josh, together with his parents, to Twickenham for the awards dinner on 29^th August. It was a prestigious event and we were honoured to be there. The standard of the finalists in all categories was very high. This year Josh raised the stakes (and the roof!) when he was announced as the overall winner of National Player of the Year. What a result!!
The award speaks for itself but Josh has a been a terrific young captain. He has created the nucleus of our successful side with his team-mates from his year at The School. They have gelled together brilliantly in adult rugby and Josh has been instrumental in forging the vital smooth integration between the former pupils and other players from a range of backgrounds attracted to our open club. Importantly this was done whilst adhering strictly to the playing ethos and spirit of both the OCRFC and The School. That’s played a big part of making the club what it is. We are small club with high standards and Josh epitomises what we stand for.
Much work has been done in trying to forge links between the Club and the School to attract players when they finish their schooling. We hope this award will demonstrate what can be achieved by the Colstonians. Under the dynamic leadership of our head coach, Matt Leek who is himself a former pupil, our playing side has gone from strength to strength and Josh has shown us where that can take you.
I am not sure we will be able to cap this award next year but this season has just started with Josh elected as captain again. Over to you Josh and Matt!!!
 
Len Collacott
Chairman- Old Colstonians RFC